The certification of Paraguay's elimination of malaria is a recognition of more than five decades of hard work. It also demonstrates the highest level of commitment to public health, and is testament to the results that can be achieved with integrated management strategies, such as increasing surveillance, training health professionals and involving the most affected communities.
Although Paraguay reported its last outbreaks in 1999 and 2000, with almost 9,000 cases, the most recent reported case of indigenous transmission was in 2011. The National Malaria Control Program, which reports to the National Malaria Eradication Service (SENEPA), has focused its strategy on building local capacities and partnering with volunteers working in family health units in areas where malaria is endemic.
...